Replacing one of the "cards" in the Advanced Keyless Entry System
 

Our (new to us) R3 has the "Advanced" keyless entry system (credit-card sized RF key with 4 buttons on it, and a physical key hidden with in it).

Unfortunately, we only received one key with the car (used) and the salesman noted that with the cost of the keys so high from the parts counter, we should go with one off of eBay.

To further complicate things, it appears we need two keys to add a third, and the physical key within the one card we have may or may not constitute a second key?

Any advice?

I don't think one card remote and one spare key count as two keys. I'm not sure but I believe they program with two different procedures.

You can program an additional metal key if you have two metal keys already.
You can program an additional card remote if you have two card remotes already.

I think you'll have to go to the dealer since you only have one of each. You supposedly could buy remotes off ebay and give them to the dealer to program depending on if they are willing to.

here's a pdf of how to do it

http://www.mediafire.com/?sx8tdc8s7if4yoa

Ok, that pretty much confirms it, dealer diagnostic equipment required to program the new key.. ::sigh::

oh well.

Thanks much!

My sales douche said it costs something like $500 for a new card remote. Seeing how the R3 wheels are so redonklously priced from Mazda I wouldn't be the least bit surprised.

My sales guy recommended I pick a card up on eBay, and then bring it in for them to program into the car.

The dealership can program your blank key if you only have one. I've got it done before. I bought my spare one off eBay for ~$40. I think the dealership is asking for >$100 + programming at standard shop rate.

lol, Koepell Mazda in LIC, Queens quoted me $400 and told me they couldn't use a key bought of EBay for "security" and "insurance" reasons.

I don't know why they did such an about face with me and my RX-8. Their VW shop was so much more helpful and understanding.

Does anyone have an idea whether or not the new advanced wireless key fobs are backwards compatible? For example, the key fobs they now use on the Mazda 3, will they work with our cars?

I know it's a old post but I was wondering the same thing about using a newer mazda keyless fob. Through all the searching I could not find any definitive answer so I went looking for a fob to borrow and try to program. Just tried and can verrify the new mazda fobs......are not compadiable with the keycard system in the 8. Sucks, really like the thicker fobs too:(

sucks, but thanks for the definitive answer!